Space and Science Fiction Evaluation Criteria

When it comes to Space and Science Fiction, we are faced with a very wide range of topics. On the real side of this spectrum, there are space vehicles that are used or have been used in real life (Apollo, Gemini, ISS, Space Shuttle etc.), and on the fictional side, there are all kinds of vehicles that we come across in movies, books, anime, manga and serials (UFOs, Gundams, MSs, Mother Ships (Enterprise (ST), Agamennon (B5), Star Destroyer (SW), Hunter Ships (Dart (SGA), X-Wings (SW), Star Fury (B5)) etc. Models in this field are also finished and evaluated based on general modeling criteria. Documentation in real vehicles is made based on real documents. On the fictional science side, the document of the vehicle is its depiction on the silver screen, television and books. The essence of the work in fictional science is that the element is mechanically based. While mobile suits are included in fictional science, since warriors and creatures are included in the subcategories of the figure, the criteria there are taken into consideration in the production and evaluation. Despite being organic and alive, some elements are included in the subcategories of the figure instead of the subcategories of the figure in line with their function. they are evaluated within the scope of science (Moya, Farscape etc.)

Basic Construction:

  • Flash, mold marks, filler and pusher marks originating from the mold, registration marks and similar mold-related errors must be eliminated.
  • Joint marks that do not exist in the real vehicle must be eliminated. In parts that must have distance/gaps between them, these distances must be maintained in a balanced manner.
  • General line errors must be eliminated and gaps originating from joins must be filled.
  • Details lost during filling and correction must be opened from the beginning to be brought to the same point as the general detail level of the model.

Alignment:

  • Equipment such as wings, ailerons and pods must be aligned properly, their angles must be compatible with the depicted vehicle.
  • Landing gear and/or similar systems must be aligned properly on the basis of three views and with each other.
  • Ammunition (laser cannons, photon torpedo launchers etc.) must be aligned properly with the vehicle and with each other.
  • Windows/Canopy and other transparent parts:
  • There should be no surface problems caused by glue or leveling on transparent parts,
  • Gaps that may occur at the junctions of sun visor, canopy and other transparent parts with the body should be filled,
  • All transparent parts should be scratch-free and free from stains caused by the mask.

Details:

  • Parts that are thick and/or out of scale given by the kit should be thinned or replaced. Particular attention should be paid to antennas that are given thicker than necessary.
  • The inside of the kit should not be visible from holes such as air intakes on the body.
  • Holes for equipment such as exhausts, gun barrels, thrusters, guidance rockets, air intakes, air outlets, etc. should be opened by drilling.
  • Extra details added to the model should be appropriate to the scale.
  • The detail sets used (metal, PE, resin, etc.) should be applied to the model properly. Especially PEs should be applied and shaped in accordance with the surface of the model.
  • A large amount of handmade and parts taken from other kits can be used in science fiction and fantasy modeling. In adapting these types of parts to the model, it is mandatory for the overall model to be compatible with the level of detail.

Painting and Finishing:

  • The surface of the model should not bear traces of the construction phase after painting (glue, sandpaper, fingerprints, etc.). The model should be finished properly. If irregularities found in the real vehicle used as a basis are reflected in the model, they should be supported with documents.
  • There should be no brush marks, feathering, or brush hair in the paint,
  • There should be no orange peel effect, cracking or dusting in the paint (in places such as wing roots, right-angled connections, etc.),
  • There should be no brightness differences caused by incorrect application of the varnish layer. Paint transitions should be realistic, there should be no blurring caused by masking errors. Paint transitions should be made to scale in accordance with the documents, without allowing spitting caused by overspray.
  • The frames of transparent parts should be clearly defined.
  • In case of reflection of atmospheric effects (aging, wear, etc.), scale should be taken as basis. The documented real vehicle should be taken as reference and the effects should maintain integrity throughout the model. If there is a special situation of the vehicle being modeled, this situation should be supported with documents. It is necessary to consider the condition of the vehicle (after launch, during atmospheric entry, etc.) that is being modeled. If the subject is rocket engines, it should be taken into account that the wear will vary depending on the type of engine.

Wet/Dry Decal Application:

  • Decals must be aligned properly (if the modeled vehicle has a special situation in such signs, it must be documented, thus proving that the modeler did not make a mistake and that the current special situation is reflected exactly).
  • Decals must be free of silvering and/or air bubbles. The carrier film of the decal must not be visible, therefore it must look as if it was painted.

Colors:

  • The colors of the paints, even from the same company and produced in the same way, may have slight color differences from batch to batch. Different usage areas affect the paint in different ways. All paints fade due to both atmospheric conditions and sunlight. In addition, the distance you look at also affects your perception of the tone of the paint. Despite this, if there are serious tone differences in the model compared to the color it should be, it must be documented.